Feedback: Local Reaction To CVS Tobacco Move

CVS Caremark is kicking the habit.

Come October, the drugstore will be free of cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco.

"It's a real contradiction to talk about all the things that we're doing to help people on their path to better health and at the same time sell tobacco products," said CVS Chief Executive Officer Larry Merlo.

Merlo said the company feels it's the right thing to do.

He said smoking rates in the U.S. have been cut in half in the last 50 years.

Locally, some people say they support the move.

"It's less access. Out of sight, out of mind, so to speak," said Sandra Storino of Adams.

"I believe the business will lose out on a lot of money actually. But then again, on the flip side, if you're going to the pharmacy to pick up cancer treatment medicine, you probably shouldn't be buying a carton of cigarettes at the same time," said Casey Denicola of LaFargeville.

Tobacco sales will continue at other drug stores, for now.

Kinney Drugs released a statement saying: "We have been evaluating tobacco in our stores for quite some time, taking into account what our customers expect from us as a retailer and as a healthcare provider. To support consumers who want to quit smoking, we continue to expand visibility and access to smoking cessation products and smoking alternatives."

Walgreens and Rite Aid both released similar statements.

The question of whether to sell tobacco is complex for retailers because it does drive revenue.